NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. -- North Park Football dominated in their season opener with an impressive 27-0 outing against Manchester University on Saturday night. With a balanced air and ground attack paired with a staunch defensive effort, the Vikings secured their first shutout victory since a 30-0 win over Concordia (IL) during the 1999 season.

North Park was first on the board when junior kicker Michael Messersmith split the uprights from 24 yards four minutes into the game to put the Vikings up 3-0.

Junior quarterback Matt Eck closed the first quarter with the first touchdown of the game with a one-yard goal line run. To get into scoring position, he connected with senior receiver Jakob Dreksler in the previous play for a 41-yard reception up the left side.

The North Park defense added a couple points to the board when junior defensive end Eric Wozny was held in the end zone, resulting in a safety.

Sophomore running back Quadrell Hill was the next Viking that marched into the endzone with a 24-yard run two minutes before halftime.

Messersmith booted another field goal from 25 late in the second quarter and a 75-yard chuck from Eck to sophomore receiver Jereme Ombogo put the Vikings up by the would-be final, 27-0.

The ground game was led by AJ Harris with 52 yards, while Quadrell Hill and Jerome Ombogo combined for 78 yards.  

On the defensive end, Jaydin Miller led the way with eight total tackles, including six solo. Juan Nieves, Amare Johnson, and Dylan Hughes all added five tackles each.

The defensive line was active on Saturday night as well, with Eric Wozny, David Wortham, Thomas Ainsworth, and Dylan Hughes all racking up sacks. 

As a team, the Vikings totaled 381 yards across 52 plays without surrendering any turnovers. The rushers totaled 196 yards and a pair of ground TD's averaging 5.4 yards per carry. The NPU defense allowed only 89 yards through the air and just six completions en route to the 27-0 victory.

Offense 

• Matt Eck – 9/25, 185 Yards, 1 Rushing TD, 1 Passing TD 
• Jereme Ombogo – 75 yards receiving, 28 yards rushing, 1 receiving TD 
• AJ Harris – 8 rushes, 55 yards 
• Quadrell Hill – 6 rushes, 58 yards, 1 rushing TD 
• Jakob Dreksler – 2 receptions, 62 yards 

Defense 

• Jaydin Miller - 6 solo, 8 total tackles  
• Juan Nieves - five tackles, all solo, and a tackle for loss
• Amare Johnson – 4 solo, 5 total tackles, 3 pass breakups  
• Eric Wozny – tackles for loss and a sack
• Thomas Ainsworth – 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack
• Dylan Hughes – 5 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack 

What's Next?

The quality start for North Park (1-0) will be followed up with a Week 2 bye before hosting Carroll University for the home opener on September 16. The Vikings look to keep the momentum gained in their CCIW opener at Holmgren, scheduled for a 1:00 PM CST kickoff.